Here are the Concepts of Service in Overeaters Anonymous written as they might apply to myself, as an individual, my group and even my life. I find that these concepts are often an area of misconception, and have found it very difficult to find literature about them beyond the basic brochure. When we do read about them, they appear to be overly technical in regard to the overall governing of OA as a whole, and don’t seem to apply at an individual or group level the way the Steps and the Traditions do.
I had the idea to work through the Concepts, one at a time, and rewrite them from a personal standpoint, or maybe from a group level, to see what that might look like. I found it especially helpful to apply the principle directly to each concept as I worked my way through. This was the result:
- Unity: Through prayer and meditation, it is my ultimate responsibility to ensure connection with my Higher Power; the collective Group Conscience of my group is our ultimate authority.
- Conscience: Our Group Conscience is the voice, authority and effective conscience of our group as a whole, reflecting the presence of our combined Higher Power; individual and collective prayer is welcomed at any time.
- Trust: The right to make decisions, based on trust, allows for effective leadership, and ensures the opportunity for all to serve.
- Equality: The opportunity for all to voice their thoughts and participate fully ensures equality in our decision-making process.
- Consideration: To ensure that an opinion or personal grievance will be carefully considered, the right to appeal a decision is afforded us all. Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow as a group, as well as individuals.
- Responsibility: Our group has entrusted our elected leaders with the primary responsibility for the administration of our group.
- Balance: The responsibilities accorded to our group by our Bylaws and Policies and Procedure documents, ensure that each member understands their role within the whole of the group.
- Delegation: Our group has delegated service workers the active maintenance and administration of our group’s services.
- Ability: To ensure effective functioning at all service levels, able and trusted servants, chosen with sound and appropriate methods, are indispensable.
- Clarity: Carefully defined service authority balanced with clearly defined service responsibilities, helps avoid duplication of efforts.
- Humility: Leaders of our group, willing and able to accept help, will as necessary, accept assistance by the best standing committees and able service workers.
- Guidelines: With trust in this process, the foundations of service in our group ensures that:
a. Selflessness: No member or committee in our group shall never become a position of wealth or power;
b. Realism: A sufficient operating fund, plus an ample reserve, shall be our group’s prudent financial principle;
c. Representation: No member of our group shall ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority;
d. Dialogue: Substantial unanimity shall be sought in all important decisions, and shall be reached by discussion and if required, by vote;
e. Compassion: Kindness and compassionate interactions are the preferred manner of interaction in our group. Service action should never be personally punitive or a provocation to dispute; and
f. Respect: Our group shall never perform any acts of governance and shall always remain democratic in thought and action.
Please Note: This article reflects my own personal opinion, and does not represent OA, as a whole, in any way, nor is it an attempt to ‘change’ our existing Concepts of Service. This is just a reflection how the principles and these concepts might apply to myself, my group and even, my life.
– anonymous
©2024 Experience Strength & Hope Newsletter,
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